Thank you so much for this. I am finishing recovery from anorexia and exercise addiction and seeing you now have positive and healthy relationship with exercise is amazing and so inspiring
I started a 30 day yoga challenge 4 days ago and right now, it's hard. It's hard finding my breath and the mentality. But I've very rarely proved myself that I can finish something so I want to do this. I'm not strong by all means. I shake and get frustrated but I actually love it. I love having 20-30 minutes to myself, working on what I want to work on. Not because society told me to do it. I love it. I love how I feel after and I can't wait to see what my mentality is like after these 30 days
If you're talking about Yoga With Adriene, I'm going through her 31 days of yoga revolution program! It's been very fun and challenging. I love the feeling that I've shown up on the mat and accomplished something by taking the time to lovingly care for my body and make it stronger. Yoga is great!
Jessica Braunscheidel I'm on day 8 and when I want to collapse I concentrate on my breathe cuz a lot of the times when your mind wants to give in your body can go for longer.
Yes!!! I'm glad you are pushing through! Not to be cheesy, but I think finding comfort within the discomfort is key to developing your practice - and it can really relate to life as well :)
I only just recently overcame my disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Trust me when I say this, IT GETS BETTER. I get so emotional when I think or talk about that time because I thought that was what I had to do. Now I enjoy food so much more and feel so much happier. I began seeing a psychologist and she has helped immensely. You will feel so liberated when you overcome this. You got this girl
You are so wise, definitely beyond your years. Everything you say resonates with me so well. I started getting fit again after a break up and, after a history of a close encounter with disordered eating, I knew I had to have a more balanced approach to fitness and food. It's weird that I consider to be your very distant friend? I bet you'd give all sorts of good advice about life
I went through almost the same exact thing. These past few years have been a constant struggle of feeling like my body is not "good enough". I never took my rest days during BBG for fear of gaining weight, some days I felt so scared that I would even double up routines, which you probably know is not recommended. I started an instagram as well and compared my hundreds of selfies to everyone else's progress photos. During that time I also developed an eating disorder and actually ended up putting my body through such stress that I developed Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle). It is SO important to rest and listen to our bodies. I am now completely in love with yoga and also like to clear my mind while walking around my neighborhood. Thank you so much for sharing this, I LOVE your channel! It is very inspiring. You've got me cooking so much more than I ever have and it has helped a lot to heal my relationship with food. xo
Thanks for sharing your story! I've never had full-blown exercise addiction but I've definitely been in a space where I really beat myself up if I missed a day and worried about losing my progress. Haha I'm one of those people who kinda enjoys being a little sore. :-P But I know everyone is different. I've been wanting to get into yoga for a long time (for flexibility but also for my mind) and just been struggling to find the time!
Aw, thanks for listening Sarah! I definitely think there is a time and a place for all types of exercise. Right now yoga is what's best for me, but I think sometime in the future I would like to get into weights again as well :)
I just totally understand (I have been through this too) and at the end the only problem is us, a lot of people complain about the pressure of social media but it's because they pay too much attention to them, we should just accept our body the way he is, we should love our body! It's all about accepting who you are and self love you're never going to have the body of someone who isn't YOU and people should stop focusing on others and think much more about themselves to be happier! Anyway loved the video! ❤️
I can relate to this SO MUCH. I'm in a similar situation that you were, because I'm recovering from anorexia, and after losing control of my food, I started to reach for anything else I could control, mainly exercise. This video helped me indescribably in realizing what my real values are and that the gym should not take first priority over things I enjoy so much more. Yes, I love the feelings of finishing a good workout, but I love the feeling of having a down to earth conversation with friends/family even more. It's going to be a battle, but I am slowly working on recovering from anorexia and my exercise addiction!! Thank you for your help. Your videos are always inspiring and teach me so much. I'm making your corn empanadas in the next few days and cannot wait!!!!
This was beautiful, thank you. Exercise addiction destroyed my life. I used it was a way to allow myself food. Even today it creeps into my mind. Long breaks from it were the only thing that helped me. So great to see how wonderful you are doing. :)xxx
It's really admirable that you are self-aware enough to notice these patterns and thought processes and finding ways to overcome them :) As someone with an EDNOS history and family that's really not afraid of telling me what they think of how I look, this sort of self-love/self-image struggle is something I still deal with. Thank you for sharing your story and it's wonderful to see how you've overcome it and learned to love yourself. YOU GO GIRL
Super thankful for your honesty! You and and Hannah McNeely have inspired me to take up yoga! I'm on day 30 of consecutively getting on the mat! Thank you!! Also it's really great that you take a moment to evaluate what you say and look at everything on the other side as well.
I hope you see this because I'm so grateful you've uploaded this, it's what I needed right now! I've been kinda sick for the past few days and haven't had the motivation to work out at all, all I've done since going to the gym last week is a quick HIIT, short walk & a bit of badminton, and I've been battling with letting my body rest and wanting (or needing) to go to the gym... I do love the gym, it's made me feel so much stronger & fit & achieved, but recently it's been hard to motivate myself, and sometimes I've had to push myself to go... I'm still thinking "I NEED to go to the gym tomorrow because it'll have been a week since I've gone" but now I'm telling myself that, no, the most important thing is to listen to my body. I'm still recovering from being sick, and if I don't feel up to it, exercising will only make it worse; and besides, if I don't wanna go, I shouldn't force myself. And one week out of exercise will not set me back! I'll come back stronger and with so much more motivation!
I I'm working out during an exercise addiction right now. I really needed this video. I've gotten over doing it for excessive hours during the day, I just don't know how to get over you know, skipping a day. Promise I will make some food soon
Hi there- my name is Paul Head- I'm a Casting Director with Bodega Pictures in Los Angeles, we are working on a transformational documentary project about people struggling with exercise addiction. Let me know if you might be interested in learning more, you can contact me through the "About" section, and click my email address and I'd be happy to share more information.
I'd normally never watch a 30 minute video because I'm just not really into long videos, but I watched this one all the way through and was totally engaged the whole time. I resonated with so much of what you said. I've really been trying to exercise less or just take light walks, but sometimes I become so overpowered by the need to go on a run or do a HIIT workout and it's honestly so hard. I've pretty much destroyed my knees due to exercise and am trying to recover them, which makes it all the more difficult. Also, because of you I've really gotten into yoga so I'd like to thank you for that! Thanks for sharing your story. :)
Hi there- my name is Paul Head- I'm a Casting Director with Bodega Pictures in Los Angeles, we are working on a transformational documentary project about people struggling with exercise addiction. Let me know if you might be interested in learning more, you can contact me through the "About" section, and click my email address and I'd be happy to share more information.
Wha! Caitlin!!! Thanks so much for making this video! Two years ago I began crazy overexercising and under eating for the sake of one ballet performance... But the cycle stuck and got worse and damaged me physically and mentally! It totally robbed me of much needed relaxation and happiness! Coming out of it takes time. Only around the beginning of this year did my life and personality seem to fall back into place!
You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this. I've been struggling with exercise addiction and disordered eating. Literally exercised and under ate myself into severe sickness. Adrenal fatigue, missed periods, extreme anxiety and depression. It's a hard road out and I'm still working but this gives me hope. Thank you for sharing. Please do a chat about your relationship with food. ❤️
this type of video are definitely my favourite ones! i feel like there is a big presure on social media to be fit. i love working out but at the same time i can say that on my 'exercise road' i felt a lot of things which are you talking about. i'm on my way to find best option. thanks for sharing your story 🌸
This video was so nice. I definitely struggle with obsessive behavior and have had a very unhealthy relationship with my body, food, and exercise in the past. Currently and since becoming vegan, these relationships have been steadily improving. Some days are still hard but seeing how happy you are with your decision of not letting these destructive tendencies gives me hope for the future. Love all of your breakfasts chats!
I just subscribed to your channel and I'm loving all the information I'm getting from you. I've started my plant based lifestyle 6 days ago and don't know really anything yet on recipes and just all in all the different kinds of food so I'm so excited to learn all that I am learning just from all your awesome videos. So thank you for all the great help and info I'm receiving from you.
wow, your story sounds so similar to mine. I actually did Insanity as well the summer before my sophomore year of college. I live in Virginia, and I passed up an opportunity to go to California with my parents and see LA, San Diego, etc. because I felt I absolutely had to stay at home and finish the program. It was my first priority every single day, and during the school year I replaced it with weight lifting and would feel guilty if I missed a day. I was motivated by the same things you were (wanting to look fit and thinking people wouldn't like me if I didn't.) Luckily I am in a healthier place now, and I'm glad you are too. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for making this video! I've been working through a really negative mindset towards my body when I can't exercise or eat something not perfectly healthy. I'm so happy for you that you've been able to connect with your body in this way, and its comforting that someone who has gone something similar has found peace. I love yoga and do it almost daily, but I was also forcing myself to run for miles and do intense ab workouts. This inspired me to focus on the movement that makes me love myself and my body!
this is so, so relatable. no matter what your type of sport/exercise, the criteria of worrying about exercise over vacation or a special occasion with friends is spot on. experiencing life is so much more important. and when you're out there doing things, good health still isn't out of reach! i hope to make a video of my own in reply to this, as a girl who found yoga and powerlifting after all of those fitness/exercises addictions as well :) AND THE POINT ABOUT PROGRESS PICS, PREACH. thanks caitlin
It's been so hard to change my mindset from 'I need to lose weight' to 'I want a healthy and strong body, but I feel like i'm almost there. What really helped me was finding places where people were actually encouraging (I need to lose weight for health reasons and I always feel looked at at the gym). Atm my go to sport is bouldering and I'm planning on doing crossfit as well. I love both of those things, because it's all about your own progress and people are very supportive and helpful :)
I used to have the same mentality when I was in my teens. I worked out ALOT. I still think about how am I gonna get a work out in when I travel but I don't sweat it a lot. You look great btw girl! Love ur chats
I love these chats, nice and informal. Great to hear you being so open about your addiction, I found myself getting into a similar addiction during university, so it's nice to hear I'm not alone!
I'm so glad you did a breakfast chat, I actually thought you wouldn't do more. I think this kind of videos are great in order to get to know you and understand you better, and on top of that sharing your experiences and thoughts can help others and make people think :)
Thank you for sharing such an intimate story. I'm glad your relationship with working out and food has gotten healthier. :) You seem like such a gentle and wise woman. Probably my favourite person on the internets!
I love breakfast chat videos and I'd love to see more! :) This video was really helpful for me, the way you talk about exercise and your attitude towards it now is also really helpful because it's helped me to kind of take the pressure off myself and start doing yoga again and walking more instead of spending an hour forcing myself to run when really a 10 minute workout and some gentle yoga is enough. So thank you!!
I've had almost an identical fitness history as you! Right now I'm in a weird place of finding what actually brings me joy. I love yoga but haven't been consistently practicing. Thank you for the insight!
I can relate to this 5000%! Even our timelines are similar..gym anxiety/grad school/yoga all of it. That's also how I discovered your channel and veganism and my body and mind can't thank me enough! Thanks for being honest and candid you really are impacting ppl for the better:)
I definitely understand what you're talking about! I do believe that exercise is all about a balance and finding out what works best for you! I'm glad that you learned from your experiences!
Thank you so much for sharing this!! Yoga is so amazing because it really teaches you to be kind to yourself and listen to what your body actually needs. Health is about feeling good and fueling your happiness!
Caitlin, honestly this one of my favorite videos! I love all your food ones of course😉 but you were so passionate and it resonated with me and I know people who need to see this video so I shared it like 5 times haha but it was seriously so good! Let the breakfast chats live on!!!
I just recently quit the gym and heavy weightlifting because it was making me so unhappy and have taken up hot yoga classes instead. Its much harder than i expected it to be as well despite being so different to weightlifting! i loved this video so much its so true for me as well.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I totally went through the same thing and never came to full realization until watching this! You are truly brave for putting your past out there but you are helping so many including myself! I'm still recovering from body dismorphia but with yoga and veganism its brought so much peace and love into my life. Again thanks so much Caitlin! :)
BABE I struggled intensively with an exercise addiction during my worst bouts of my eating disorder, and I'm perfectly healthy now but I still have the exercise thoughts, and still struggle with it. However I'm poorly with a chesty cough right now and I'm happy to say I haven't exercised in a week and it's hard but I want to respect my body the way it deserves. Thank you for this video, it really helped me
I loved this! Thanks for sharing your honest story, a lot of people in the fitness community are in denial about things like this! It's nice to hear someone speaking out about it. I'll definitely be subscribing
I think I'm definitely in this mentality right now of being a little too obsessed with working out - missing hanging out with friends to work out. I weigh myself every morning and then every time coming back after a workout. Thank you Caitlin, for sharing your story! I've been doing more yoga as well - I love that it builds more functional strength, rather than superficial :) thank you thank you thank you! Favorite vegan social media influencer ever
I used to have compulsive exercise, which lead to my eating disorder. and I felt like I was destroying myself and I was always so tired and low in energy. and no matter what I did, I was never satisfied. it's comforting to know that many people who have inspired me, went through the same problems as I did. thank you for inspiring me to go vegan, it's one the best decision I've ever made.
omg this has seriously been an eyeopener for me! i have been trying to like workout less because i have been obsessing with it and trying to lose weight to have this perfect body and this has crossed my mind but this video as definitely helped see that i should tone it down a bit because i do love intense workouts i just push it too much! thank you for this video please make more!
Thank you so much for sharing this, I can relate. I did all those programs too, and at the beginning I was getting results so fast I got excited and put aside other aspects of my life like family and friends. Then my body kinda collapsed, I started getting sick all the time, not feeling very energetic and realized what I was doing was probably not the right thing. This happened to me in college because looking at all the skinny girls, I wanted to be like them, I only followed fitness pages on Instagram, it was crazy. I was even taken to a psychologist once. I learned a lot from that experience, I learned to love myself so today I am grateful for that. Now I am happy, healthy and vegan :)
I love hearing your input... over the last year or two, I have gained some weight (I'm a senior in college) but it was also at a time where I have had a lot of stress and I stress eat and I am working on trying to love myself and work on my relationship with food. My doctor continues to mention it every time I visit her. Last time(last semester), I mentioned that I was taking a yoga class and a Pilates class. She literally said "you're 21... you should be running. Not stretching" and it really upset me. She made it seem like I didn't care about my body, but with the extra weight-- I am self conscious about it but sometimes you have to take care of yourself first. I felt like my doctor should be happy that I was at least trying to move my body. She acts like trying to lose weight is a straightforward action but learning to love yourself is more important, in my opinion.
I'm glad you realize that it is most important to take care of yourself. Also, that doctor has NO idea what she is talking about re:yoga and pilates, they can TOTALLY be a sufficient workout! Learning to love yourself is definitely the most important thing.
I saw this video a couple of days ago and I was unsure whether or not I wanted to watch it. Well, I did and I am so happy that I did because it was so valuable to me and I definitely took something away from it. Thank you Caitlin for being honest and vulnerable and sharing your story with other people
I relate to this so much........ mine started when I was trying to make a highly competitive soccer team. I was working out 6 times a week plus soccer 4 times a week.... at first I was happy and felt amazing but then slowly I became tired and wasn't able to fulfill my addiction to these workouts so I turned to food and cut out so many foods..... I got to the point where I was going to Scotland with my family and spent the whole vacation inside pushing myself to excersize until I got sick....... I have just started working on this now and it's tough trying to figure out what's coming from the addiction mindset or me. But I'm working on it through yoga, running and meditation :) thank you for sharing this needs to be talked about more! Excersize is meant for health and fun not punishment!
I did a lot of HIIT and now, I'm just going for walks and doing yoga. I like it a lot more. It's challenging, but I'm not pumping my already high cortisol levels from anxiety. Which I feel like yoga is really helping that.
Thank you so much for this video, I recognised myself in every situation that you were talking about, and it made me realise that I am addicted to exercise as well, which is so scary and make it so real to finally admit it. I absolutely love the message you're spreading around you by the way, watching you from france and enjoying it!
ive just started going vegan and your channel is like the only reason i started to feel like this isn't something that will be too difficult for me. your videos of the food are so easy to follow and everything is so good! also yoga is the best
This really resonated with me. I've only just accepted and come to terms with having an eating disorder but I never thought my exercising was an issue. I also did a few of those HIIT workouts you mentioned and my knees were absolutely killing me towards the end of the programs but I just substituted some exercises when I could but like you, I refused to stop. I needed t finish the program etc. I stopped half way through one of them because I went on a holiday and I haven't started it back up yet. It's been 2 months and it still terrifies me. Any changes I see with my body, I account it to having stopped it. I'm slowly incorporating different forms of exercise again in my routine because it makes me feel good to move around but I do worry I would get obsessed again. I just recognised so many of those disordered thoughts that you mentioned! I think it all stems from the potential lack of control. I did some piyo previously amongst all the HIIT and I think I'll try more yoga now :)
I needed this , I’ve been watching your vids for awhile and thus video came up . I’m very type A and the only form of excersize I enjoy is yoga but I always felt bad because I’m “not pushing hard enough,” so I stopped for a while but I too have joint pain & so nothing else worked for me but now I’m back to it but with a new mindset thanks to you !
Thank you for this! I can definitely relate. I didn't realize at the time, but looking back I was over exercising. Now I'm working on finding "balance" and truly working out to feel good and because I want to, not to just to look better.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I've only found your youtube channel this year, and I'm really happy that I did! You are so inspiring and down to earth. I've felt many similar things to you, even though I wouldn't say I have ever suffered from exercise addiction. This video made me realize that I've been working out just to achieve a certain body image or appear "fit" on social media. I'm committed to finding a form of exercise that I LOVE, so thank you Caitlin 😊👍🏼
This is so relatable Caitlin :D! So glad you made this video because you put things into a real perspective :)! I used to be addicted to running and actually I never run anymore because it's so triggering for me. Now I ride my bike everyday because it makes me feel good and I absolutely love it :)
Thanks so much for this video, it made me realise that I had a beginning of exercise addiction... Im getting over a severe back problem, so I have been resting for 2 months and looking back I really did over do it at gym. Now I'm slowly but surely getting 1 or 2 workouts a week and it feels good just to slower workouts and be more mindful. I love the gym as it is me time, but I will definitely take it much slower now and truly appreciate it :) xxx
Thanks for posting this babe!!! It means the world to me to hear this from you because I struggle with exercise addiction every day, it's nice to see that it is possible to overcome! Thanks a million!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Can relate to exercise addiction- i have tried a lot of gym programs and classes in the past but now all I do is walk on the treadmill and sometimes bike for leg tone. I go to the gym to collect my thoughts for the busy day ahead rather than to lose weight, so like discipline and mental training more so than physical training.
Great video! I have also been through that kind of in a similar way to you. Christine Salus opened my eyes to it first and I am so glad! I feel way more balanced now. Loved hearing you speak about it!
Your story is awesome! and yes Yoga is so amazing for your body it helps with with everything, ive done Yoga off and and on for 9 yrs and i fell in love with it because it helps me so much, i have knee pains and Yoga had helped me with that and it also helps with my migraines and stress. Thank you so much for your story
I had a very very similar experience to you with exercise addiction, going abroad, and BBG!! My knees couldn’t handle it AT ALL and I never had issues before that! Not to knock the program, but you’re right - short term was definitely better than repeats. Thanks for sharing your story, I definitely feel less alone. :)
Thanks for being so awesome! Love your view of life and your videos. They always give me a smile on my face :) i just started with yoga and i love it!! Much love from switzerland
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Thank you so much for this. I am finishing recovery from anorexia and exercise addiction and seeing you now have positive and healthy relationship with exercise is amazing and so inspiring
I started a 30 day yoga challenge 4 days ago and right now, it's hard. It's hard finding my breath and the mentality. But I've very rarely proved myself that I can finish something so I want to do this. I'm not strong by all means. I shake and get frustrated but I actually love it. I love having 20-30 minutes to myself, working on what I want to work on. Not because society told me to do it. I love it. I love how I feel after and I can't wait to see what my mentality is like after these 30 days
If you're talking about Yoga With Adriene, I'm going through her 31 days of yoga revolution program! It's been very fun and challenging. I love the feeling that I've shown up on the mat and accomplished something by taking the time to lovingly care for my body and make it stronger. Yoga is great!
Jessica Braunscheidel I'm on day 8 and when I want to collapse I concentrate on my breathe cuz a lot of the times when your mind wants to give in your body can go for longer.
I'm doing YWA 30 day too! Her old one, not the 31 revolution. I'm on day 3 and excited to see my mind and body transformation at the end of 30 days.
I'm doing it too! Please let us know how you feel after it's completed. I have a hard time sticking with things like this too.
Yes!!! I'm glad you are pushing through! Not to be cheesy, but I think finding comfort within the discomfort is key to developing your practice - and it can really relate to life as well :)
I love when people share inspiring stories. I'm currently overcoming a eating addiction and its not fun at all😃
Annelise Markussen Thanks.
I wish you the best of luck on your recovery!
I only just recently overcame my disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Trust me when I say this, IT GETS BETTER. I get so emotional when I think or talk about that time because I thought that was what I had to do. Now I enjoy food so much more and feel so much happier. I began seeing a psychologist and she has helped immensely. You will feel so liberated when you overcome this. You got this girl
You are so wise, definitely beyond your years. Everything you say resonates with me so well. I started getting fit again after a break up and, after a history of a close encounter with disordered eating, I knew I had to have a more balanced approach to fitness and food. It's weird that I consider to be your very distant friend? I bet you'd give all sorts of good advice about life
Aw, I wish we could ALL hang out in person! Thank you Bianca :)
Since you don't study anymore, what is your everyday routine? Do you have a job? Are you going to continue studying?
Great video btw!! Love the food!!
youtube? her blog? e-books?
I have been putting out a lot more content online, and I am working on an ebook! I was thinking of doing a Q&A / Life Update video soon :)
"I was only happy because of how I looked" very important sentence right there
I went through almost the same exact thing. These past few years have been a constant struggle of feeling like my body is not "good enough". I never took my rest days during BBG for fear of gaining weight, some days I felt so scared that I would even double up routines, which you probably know is not recommended. I started an instagram as well and compared my hundreds of selfies to everyone else's progress photos. During that time I also developed an eating disorder and actually ended up putting my body through such stress that I developed Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle). It is SO important to rest and listen to our bodies. I am now completely in love with yoga and also like to clear my mind while walking around my neighborhood. Thank you so much for sharing this, I LOVE your channel! It is very inspiring. You've got me cooking so much more than I ever have and it has helped a lot to heal my relationship with food. xo
probably my fav vegan ! who else?!!
aw, so sweet! Thank you :)
Thanks for sharing your story! I've never had full-blown exercise addiction but I've definitely been in a space where I really beat myself up if I missed a day and worried about losing my progress. Haha I'm one of those people who kinda enjoys being a little sore. :-P But I know everyone is different. I've been wanting to get into yoga for a long time (for flexibility but also for my mind) and just been struggling to find the time!
Aw, thanks for listening Sarah! I definitely think there is a time and a place for all types of exercise. Right now yoga is what's best for me, but I think sometime in the future I would like to get into weights again as well :)
I just totally understand (I have been through this too) and at the end the only problem is us, a lot of people complain about the pressure of social media but it's because they pay too much attention to them, we should just accept our body the way he is, we should love our body! It's all about accepting who you are and self love you're never going to have the body of someone who isn't YOU and people should stop focusing on others and think much more about themselves to be happier!
Anyway loved the video! ❤️
I can relate to this SO MUCH. I'm in a similar situation that you were, because I'm recovering from anorexia, and after losing control of my food, I started to reach for anything else I could control, mainly exercise. This video helped me indescribably in realizing what my real values are and that the gym should not take first priority over things I enjoy so much more. Yes, I love the feelings of finishing a good workout, but I love the feeling of having a down to earth conversation with friends/family even more. It's going to be a battle, but I am slowly working on recovering from anorexia and my exercise addiction!! Thank you for your help. Your videos are always inspiring and teach me so much. I'm making your corn empanadas in the next few days and cannot wait!!!!
This was beautiful, thank you. Exercise addiction destroyed my life. I used it was a way to allow myself food. Even today it creeps into my mind. Long breaks from it were the only thing that helped me. So great to see how wonderful you are doing. :)xxx
Niamh Andrews how did you recover from it???
QL Long breaks and reminding myself of my worth outside of it
It's really admirable that you are self-aware enough to notice these patterns and thought processes and finding ways to overcome them :) As someone with an EDNOS history and family that's really not afraid of telling me what they think of how I look, this sort of self-love/self-image struggle is something I still deal with. Thank you for sharing your story and it's wonderful to see how you've overcome it and learned to love yourself. YOU GO GIRL
Super thankful for your honesty! You and and Hannah McNeely have inspired me to take up yoga! I'm on day 30 of consecutively getting on the mat! Thank you!! Also it's really great that you take a moment to evaluate what you say and look at everything on the other side as well.
Emma Devlin ah that is so awesome! I love Hannah :)
Maybe you could do another breakfast chat o just a video on your relationship with food? It would be really intresting :) Loved the video by the way!!
Yes I agree! I can listen to her for hours
Hmm ok! I will think about it :)
I do like the chats, it's nice to listen while doing something else, the topic isn't too important to me.
thanks for sharing your story with honesty, Caitlin! your mindful approach to exercise is so inspiring!
I hope you see this because I'm so grateful you've uploaded this, it's what I needed right now! I've been kinda sick for the past few days and haven't had the motivation to work out at all, all I've done since going to the gym last week is a quick HIIT, short walk & a bit of badminton, and I've been battling with letting my body rest and wanting (or needing) to go to the gym... I do love the gym, it's made me feel so much stronger & fit & achieved, but recently it's been hard to motivate myself, and sometimes I've had to push myself to go... I'm still thinking "I NEED to go to the gym tomorrow because it'll have been a week since I've gone" but now I'm telling myself that, no, the most important thing is to listen to my body. I'm still recovering from being sick, and if I don't feel up to it, exercising will only make it worse; and besides, if I don't wanna go, I shouldn't force myself. And one week out of exercise will not set me back! I'll come back stronger and with so much more motivation!
I I'm working out during an exercise addiction right now. I really needed this video. I've gotten over doing it for excessive hours during the day, I just don't know how to get over you know, skipping a day. Promise I will make some food soon
I'm so glad it resonated with you! And I wish you the best :)
Hi there- my name is Paul Head- I'm a Casting Director with Bodega Pictures in Los Angeles, we are working on a transformational documentary project about people struggling with exercise addiction. Let me know if you might be interested in learning more, you can contact me through the "About" section, and click my email address and I'd be happy to share more information.
I'd normally never watch a 30 minute video because I'm just not really into long videos, but I watched this one all the way through and was totally engaged the whole time. I resonated with so much of what you said. I've really been trying to exercise less or just take light walks, but sometimes I become so overpowered by the need to go on a run or do a HIIT workout and it's honestly so hard. I've pretty much destroyed my knees due to exercise and am trying to recover them, which makes it all the more difficult. Also, because of you I've really gotten into yoga so I'd like to thank you for that! Thanks for sharing your story. :)
kendra m that's awesome! Thank you for watching, and thank you for sharing your story as well :)
Hi there- my name is Paul Head- I'm a Casting Director with Bodega Pictures in Los Angeles, we are working on a transformational documentary project about people struggling with exercise addiction. Let me know if you might be interested in learning more, you can contact me through the "About" section, and click my email address and I'd be happy to share more information.
U ARE SUCH A GREAT PERSON TO REALIZE FLAWS IN YOUR LIFE. TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE.
Wha! Caitlin!!! Thanks so much for making this video! Two years ago I began crazy overexercising and under eating for the sake of one ballet performance... But the cycle stuck and got worse and damaged me physically and mentally! It totally robbed me of much needed relaxation and happiness! Coming out of it takes time. Only around the beginning of this year did my life and personality seem to fall back into place!
You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this. I've been struggling with exercise addiction and disordered eating. Literally exercised and under ate myself into severe sickness. Adrenal fatigue, missed periods, extreme anxiety and depression. It's a hard road out and I'm still working but this gives me hope. Thank you for sharing. Please do a chat about your relationship with food. ❤️
One of the best you tubers out there!! So hardworking and deserving!!! I wish so much success for you
thank you SO much, dear!
I love a good breakfast chat, girl!!! I'm proud of you overcoming your exercise addiction. Please keep the chats!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was truly inspirational!❤️
thank you for watching!
this type of video are definitely my favourite ones! i feel like there is a big presure on social media to be fit. i love working out but at the same time i can say that on my 'exercise road' i felt a lot of things which are you talking about. i'm on my way to find best option. thanks for sharing your story 🌸
totally! I'm happy to share
I'm always so excited to see a new video from you!!💕💕
This video was so nice. I definitely struggle with obsessive behavior and have had a very unhealthy relationship with my body, food, and exercise in the past. Currently and since becoming vegan, these relationships have been steadily improving. Some days are still hard but seeing how happy you are with your decision of not letting these destructive tendencies gives me hope for the future. Love all of your breakfasts chats!
I just subscribed to your channel and I'm loving all the information I'm getting from you. I've started my plant based lifestyle 6 days ago and don't know really anything yet on recipes and just all in all the different kinds of food so I'm so excited to learn all that I am learning just from all your awesome videos. So thank you for all the great help and info I'm receiving from you.
wow, your story sounds so similar to mine. I actually did Insanity as well the summer before my sophomore year of college. I live in Virginia, and I passed up an opportunity to go to California with my parents and see LA, San Diego, etc. because I felt I absolutely had to stay at home and finish the program. It was my first priority every single day, and during the school year I replaced it with weight lifting and would feel guilty if I missed a day. I was motivated by the same things you were (wanting to look fit and thinking people wouldn't like me if I didn't.) Luckily I am in a healthier place now, and I'm glad you are too. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for making this video! I've been working through a really negative mindset towards my body when I can't exercise or eat something not perfectly healthy. I'm so happy for you that you've been able to connect with your body in this way, and its comforting that someone who has gone something similar has found peace. I love yoga and do it almost daily, but I was also forcing myself to run for miles and do intense ab workouts. This inspired me to focus on the movement that makes me love myself and my body!
this is so, so relatable. no matter what your type of sport/exercise, the criteria of worrying about exercise over vacation or a special occasion with friends is spot on. experiencing life is so much more important. and when you're out there doing things, good health still isn't out of reach! i hope to make a video of my own in reply to this, as a girl who found yoga and powerlifting after all of those fitness/exercises addictions as well :) AND THE POINT ABOUT PROGRESS PICS, PREACH.
thanks caitlin
So relatable! I've gone through an exercise addiction as well, and now that I've overcome it I feel so free! Thanks for sharing your story
It's been so hard to change my mindset from 'I need to lose weight' to 'I want a healthy and strong body, but I feel like i'm almost there. What really helped me was finding places where people were actually encouraging (I need to lose weight for health reasons and I always feel looked at at the gym). Atm my go to sport is bouldering and I'm planning on doing crossfit as well. I love both of those things, because it's all about your own progress and people are very supportive and helpful :)
I used to have the same mentality when I was in my teens. I worked out ALOT. I still think about how am I gonna get a work out in when I travel but I don't sweat it a lot. You look great btw girl! Love ur chats
I love these chats, nice and informal. Great to hear you being so open about your addiction, I found myself getting into a similar addiction during university, so it's nice to hear I'm not alone!
you definitely aren't!
I'm so glad you did a breakfast chat, I actually thought you wouldn't do more. I think this kind of videos are great in order to get to know you and understand you better, and on top of that sharing your experiences and thoughts can help others and make people think :)
Thank you for sharing such an intimate story. I'm glad your relationship with working out and food has gotten healthier. :) You seem like such a gentle and wise woman. Probably my favourite person on the internets!
I love breakfast chat videos and I'd love to see more! :)
This video was really helpful for me, the way you talk about exercise and your attitude towards it now is also really helpful because it's helped me to kind of take the pressure off myself and start doing yoga again and walking more instead of spending an hour forcing myself to run when really a 10 minute workout and some gentle yoga is enough. So thank you!!
I freaking love you. All I can say.
Right back at ya, girl
You're such an inspiration for me, Caitlin! Make sure you exercise just as much as your body is good with. Thank you for being on youtube!
I've had almost an identical fitness history as you! Right now I'm in a weird place of finding what actually brings me joy. I love yoga but haven't been consistently practicing. Thank you for the insight!
I rewatch this video all the time. You have no idea how much this helped me.
I can relate to this 5000%! Even our timelines are similar..gym anxiety/grad school/yoga all of it. That's also how I discovered your channel and veganism and my body and mind can't thank me enough! Thanks for being honest and candid you really are impacting ppl for the better:)
I definitely understand what you're talking about! I do believe that exercise is all about a balance and finding out what works best for you! I'm glad that you learned from your experiences!
thank you dear!
Thank you so much for sharing this!! Yoga is so amazing because it really teaches you to be kind to yourself and listen to what your body actually needs. Health is about feeling good and fueling your happiness!
Yes! I really think yoga helped me so much with this
Caitlin, honestly this one of my favorite videos! I love all your food ones of course😉 but you were so passionate and it resonated with me and I know people who need to see this video so I shared it like 5 times haha but it was seriously so good! Let the breakfast chats live on!!!
aw that is awesome! I hope other people find it helpful as well :)
I just recently quit the gym and heavy weightlifting because it was making me so unhappy and have taken up hot yoga classes instead. Its much harder than i expected it to be as well despite being so different to weightlifting! i loved this video so much its so true for me as well.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! I totally went through the same thing and never came to full realization until watching this! You are truly brave for putting your past out there but you are helping so many including myself! I'm still recovering from body dismorphia but with yoga and veganism its brought so much peace and love into my life. Again thanks so much Caitlin! :)
YES!!! thank you so much Caitlin! im so happy you filmed this, it will definitely help me!
Yay, I'm glad!
I'm so happy for you! I love it when youtubers a vulnerable like this.
would you ever consider doing a thrivemarket unboxing video? Like, when you get your box shipped, show us how it's packaged, what you got, etc?
Sure, if people are interested!
I usually post all of my Thrive boxes on my Instagram story, so if you don't follow me there you might want to check that out!
yesssss a breakfast chat again! I love listening to your wise and relatable words. thank you Caitlin!
BABE I struggled intensively with an exercise addiction during my worst bouts of my eating disorder, and I'm perfectly healthy now but I still have the exercise thoughts, and still struggle with it. However I'm poorly with a chesty cough right now and I'm happy to say I haven't exercised in a week and it's hard but I want to respect my body the way it deserves. Thank you for this video, it really helped me
I loved this! Thanks for sharing your honest story, a lot of people in the fitness community are in denial about things like this! It's nice to hear someone speaking out about it. I'll definitely be subscribing
Your literally my fav youtube! I love your videos so much!!!
I think I'm definitely in this mentality right now of being a little too obsessed with working out - missing hanging out with friends to work out. I weigh myself every morning and then every time coming back after a workout. Thank you Caitlin, for sharing your story! I've been doing more yoga as well - I love that it builds more functional strength, rather than superficial :) thank you thank you thank you! Favorite vegan social media influencer ever
Love the breakfast chats! Super fun to watch :)
Loved this. Thank you so much for being open and honest and sharing your experience with us.
I used to have compulsive exercise, which lead to my eating disorder. and I felt like I was destroying myself and I was always so tired and low in energy. and no matter what I did, I was never satisfied. it's comforting to know that many people who have inspired me, went through the same problems as I did. thank you for inspiring me to go vegan, it's one the best decision I've ever made.
Love your breakfast chats!
omg this has seriously been an eyeopener for me! i have been trying to like workout less because i have been obsessing with it and trying to lose weight to have this perfect body and this has crossed my mind but this video as definitely helped see that i should tone it down a bit because i do love intense workouts i just push it too much! thank you for this video please make more!
Ithai Balderas I wish you well on your journey and hope you find balance :) in glad I could be of some help!
Thank you so much for sharing this, I can relate. I did all those programs too, and at the beginning I was getting results so fast I got excited and put aside other aspects of my life like family and friends. Then my body kinda collapsed, I started getting sick all the time, not feeling very energetic and realized what I was doing was probably not the right thing. This happened to me in college because looking at all the skinny girls, I wanted to be like them, I only followed fitness pages on Instagram, it was crazy. I was even taken to a psychologist once. I learned a lot from that experience, I learned to love myself so today I am grateful for that. Now I am happy, healthy and vegan :)
I love hearing your input... over the last year or two, I have gained some weight (I'm a senior in college) but it was also at a time where I have had a lot of stress and I stress eat and I am working on trying to love myself and work on my relationship with food. My doctor continues to mention it every time I visit her. Last time(last semester), I mentioned that I was taking a yoga class and a Pilates class. She literally said "you're 21... you should be running. Not stretching" and it really upset me. She made it seem like I didn't care about my body, but with the extra weight-- I am self conscious about it but sometimes you have to take care of yourself first. I felt like my doctor should be happy that I was at least trying to move my body. She acts like trying to lose weight is a straightforward action but learning to love yourself is more important, in my opinion.
I'm glad you realize that it is most important to take care of yourself. Also, that doctor has NO idea what she is talking about re:yoga and pilates, they can TOTALLY be a sufficient workout! Learning to love yourself is definitely the most important thing.
Thankyou for filming this!!! I personally haven't experienced this but I have a friend who defiantly has, anyway your breakfast looked delicious!
I saw this video a couple of days ago and I was unsure whether or not I wanted to watch it. Well, I did and I am so happy that I did because it was so valuable to me and I definitely took something away from it. Thank you Caitlin for being honest and vulnerable and sharing your story with other people
I love these breakfast chats!!!!! More please!
Watching this today. Thank you for sharing. I could see parts of that post were hard for you. I follow you for a reason!
I relate to this so much........ mine started when I was trying to make a highly competitive soccer team. I was working out 6 times a week plus soccer 4 times a week.... at first I was happy and felt amazing but then slowly I became tired and wasn't able to fulfill my addiction to these workouts so I turned to food and cut out so many foods..... I got to the point where I was going to Scotland with my family and spent the whole vacation inside pushing myself to excersize until I got sick....... I have just started working on this now and it's tough trying to figure out what's coming from the addiction mindset or me. But I'm working on it through yoga, running and meditation :) thank you for sharing this needs to be talked about more! Excersize is meant for health and fun not punishment!
Love these breakfast chats! And I love your vulnerability
thank you, Emma!
Im struggling with this right now. Glad to know that I'm not alone. Thanks Caitlin
Definitely more chats! I relate so much to you and love hearing your views and opinions, keep up the good work!
Please do more of these, this is so helpful for me
Love breakfast chats, please do more :)
I did a lot of HIIT and now, I'm just going for walks and doing yoga. I like it a lot more. It's challenging, but I'm not pumping my already high cortisol levels from anxiety. Which I feel like yoga is really helping that.
Thank you so much for this video, I recognised myself in every situation that you were talking about, and it made me realise that I am addicted to exercise as well, which is so scary and make it so real to finally admit it. I absolutely love the message you're spreading around you by the way, watching you from france and enjoying it!
ive just started going vegan and your channel is like the only reason i started to feel like this isn't something that will be too difficult for me. your videos of the food are so easy to follow and everything is so good! also yoga is the best
This really resonated with me. I've only just accepted and come to terms with having an eating disorder but I never thought my exercising was an issue. I also did a few of those HIIT workouts you mentioned and my knees were absolutely killing me towards the end of the programs but I just substituted some exercises when I could but like you, I refused to stop. I needed t finish the program etc. I stopped half way through one of them because I went on a holiday and I haven't started it back up yet. It's been 2 months and it still terrifies me. Any changes I see with my body, I account it to having stopped it. I'm slowly incorporating different forms of exercise again in my routine because it makes me feel good to move around but I do worry I would get obsessed again. I just recognised so many of those disordered thoughts that you mentioned! I think it all stems from the potential lack of control. I did some piyo previously amongst all the HIIT and I think I'll try more yoga now :)
I needed this , I’ve been watching your vids for awhile and thus video came up . I’m very type A and the only form of excersize I enjoy is yoga but I always felt bad because I’m “not pushing hard enough,” so I stopped for a while but I too have joint pain & so nothing else worked for me but now I’m back to it but with a new mindset thanks to you !
Loved hearing your story Caitlin!
Wow this really opened my eyes, thank you for sharing
I loved this breakfast chat! I always watch youtube while I eat my breakfast, so this was perfect. :)
Thank you for this! I can definitely relate. I didn't realize at the time, but looking back I was over exercising. Now I'm working on finding "balance" and truly working out to feel good and because I want to, not to just to look better.
I definitely didn't realize I was overexercising at the time either, but now I do. Mindful movement is SO key!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I've only found your youtube channel this year, and I'm really happy that I did! You are so inspiring and down to earth. I've felt many similar things to you, even though I wouldn't say I have ever suffered from exercise addiction. This video made me realize that I've been working out just to achieve a certain body image or appear "fit" on social media. I'm committed to finding a form of exercise that I LOVE, so thank you Caitlin 😊👍🏼
This is so relatable Caitlin :D! So glad you made this video because you put things into a real perspective :)! I used to be addicted to running and actually I never run anymore because it's so triggering for me. Now I ride my bike everyday because it makes me feel good and I absolutely love it :)
I love these! Thanks for sharing 😊
I love these breakfast chat videos :)
Loved this!! I've been going through the same exact thing! And love these chats!
Thanks so much for this video, it made me realise that I had a beginning of exercise addiction... Im getting over a severe back problem, so I have been resting for 2 months and looking back I really did over do it at gym. Now I'm slowly but surely getting 1 or 2 workouts a week and it feels good just to slower workouts and be more mindful. I love the gym as it is me time, but I will definitely take it much slower now and truly appreciate it :) xxx
Thankyou so much for sharing, this was so so helpful
Thanks for posting this babe!!! It means the world to me to hear this from you because I struggle with exercise addiction every day, it's nice to see that it is possible to overcome! Thanks a million!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome! I wish you all the best on your journey x
Thanks! 😍😍 Caitlin Shoemaker
I love how u casually talk about your own story, and I LOVE yoga too!! ❤️
Can relate to exercise addiction- i have tried a lot of gym programs and classes in the past but now all I do is walk on the treadmill and sometimes bike for leg tone. I go to the gym to collect my thoughts for the busy day ahead rather than to lose weight, so like discipline and mental training more so than physical training.
Great video! I have also been through that kind of in a similar way to you. Christine Salus opened my eyes to it first and I am so glad! I feel way more balanced now. Loved hearing you speak about it!
I had the same exact journey with yoga. Good on you, girl! Yoga is awesome because it changes your whole view on working out. xx
Your story is awesome! and yes Yoga is so amazing for your body it helps with with everything, ive done Yoga off and and on for 9 yrs and i fell in love with it because it helps me so much, i have knee pains and Yoga had helped me with that and it also helps with my migraines and stress. Thank you so much for your story
Loved this video - more breakfast chats/mukbang vids please!!!
Love these videos!!
I had a very very similar experience to you with exercise addiction, going abroad, and BBG!! My knees couldn’t handle it AT ALL and I never had issues before that! Not to knock the program, but you’re right - short term was definitely better than repeats. Thanks for sharing your story, I definitely feel less alone. :)
Thanks for being so awesome! Love your view of life and your videos. They always give me a smile on my face :) i just started with yoga and i love it!!
Much love from switzerland